Route Advice: Mineral King 4 nights

[redpakotasea]

Hello! I'm planning a 4 nt trip out of Mineral King in late July and have a few questions. Hoping to spend time at Spring, Columbine, Big Five and Little Five lakes (including 10410). My permit is for Sawtooth pass. I'm comfortable with cross country navigation and class 2/3 passes, though class 2 is strongly preferred. Any suggestions on how to best do this?

I was considering starting with Glacier Pass to Spring lake (nt 1) followed by Black Rock Pass to Little Five Lakes (nt 2), then Big Five Lakes (nt3), and lastly Lost Canyon to Columbine (nt 4), out over Sawtooth.

First of all, how likely is it that there will still be steep snow on the route over Glacier Pass in late July this year? Ice axe recommended? Secondly, I'm considering whether it makes more sense to do Big Five Lakes -> Lost Canyon -> Columbine vs. direct cross-country from Big Five to Columbine via Cyclamen. Would I be missing out by skipping Lost Canyon? And lastly, any speculation on late July mosquito conditions in a low snow year?

Any other thoughts or suggestions are welcome. Any side trips or peaks I should consider adding?

[BardoPond]

To your second point, I loved hiking up Lost Canyon on the way to Columbine. It was one of the highlights of my trip to that area.

I haven't been over Glacier Pass, but it's known to have a snow field until late summer. There are a few threads describing different routes (start here: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=20243). Somebody with more knowledge will hopefully chime in, but you'll probably want to inquire about conditions closer to your dates.

[druid]

First of all, how likely is it that there will still be steep snow on the route over Glacier Pass in late July this year?

Last year there was no snow at all on Glacier Pass by the last week of July.

[redpakotasea]

Appreciate the tips! I'll definitely make a point to come up Lost Canyon.

Also considering doing nights 2 & 3 in Little Lakes and day hiking to Precipice. I'll see how the group is feeling about getting in a bit more mileage.

[redpakotasea]

Any suggestions for best peaks class 2/3 to scramble up in this area?

[SashatheBear]

Snow should be fine by that time of year given how little snow we got this past winter. Main issue at Little 5 will be the mosquitoes around then.

[Gazelle]

eagle scout peak is pretty awesome! sawtooth is alot of sand and maybe some class3

[tnhgmia]

I was just at Franklin and Sawtooth this weekend and there's essentially zero snow at any of the passes!!! It's insane.